PM Surya Ghar Yojana, officially known as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, is a central government scheme that helps households install rooftop solar power systems with a direct subsidy. Launched in 2024, the scheme aims to support one crore households in installing rooftop solar and to help families reduce or eliminate their monthly electricity bills, with the potential to generate up to 300 units of free electricity every month from their own rooftop. For Kerala households facing rising power bills, the rooftop solar subsidy can make solar affordable and provide long-term savings.
This guide explains the subsidy amounts, eligibility, the step-by-step PM Surya Ghar registration process, how it works with KSEB in Kerala, loan options, expected savings, maintenance and common mistakes to avoid.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana – Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana |
| Ministry | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
| Launched | 2024 |
| Target | One crore households with rooftop solar |
| Benefit | Central financial assistance (subsidy) for residential rooftop solar |
| Maximum subsidy | ₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above |
| Free electricity potential | Up to 300 units per month, depending on system size and usage |
| Portal | pmsuryaghar.gov.in |
| DISCOM in Kerala | KSEB (and other licensees where applicable) |
Why the Free Electricity Scheme Makes Sense in Kerala
Kerala households typically use electricity for lighting, fans, refrigerators, mixers, water pumps, television, washing machines and increasingly air conditioners and electric vehicles. As consumption grows, families move into higher tariff slabs, and bills rise steeply. Rooftop solar helps by producing power during the day, when many appliances such as water pumps, refrigerators and fans are running. Kerala also receives good sunlight for most of the year outside the peak monsoon months, making rooftop solar viable in all districts.
Most Kerala homes have concrete flat roofs or sloped tiled roofs. Flat roofs are easiest for installation with elevated mounting structures, which also allow the area below to be used. Sloped roofs can also host panels with suitable mounting, but orientation and shading should be checked carefully.
Roof Space Required
As a rough guide, a 1 kW rooftop system needs about 80 to 100 square feet of shade-free roof area, depending on panel efficiency and layout. A 3 kW system may need around 250 to 300 square feet. Panels should ideally face south in Kerala for maximum generation, with minimal shade from trees, water tanks or neighbouring buildings between 9 AM and 4 PM. Your vendor should do a site survey and give you a layout plan before installation.
Before applying, check your roof condition. If the roof needs repairs or waterproofing, complete that work first, because removing and reinstalling panels later adds cost.
Rooftop Solar Subsidy Amounts
| System Capacity | Central Subsidy |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | ₹30,000 |
| 2 kW | ₹60,000 |
| 3 kW and above | ₹78,000 (maximum) |
The subsidy is calculated at ₹30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and ₹18,000 for the additional third kW, with a cap of ₹78,000. Group housing societies and resident welfare associations can also receive support for common facilities as per scheme rules. The subsidy is credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account after installation and verification.
Which System Size Is Right for You?
| Average Monthly Consumption | Suggested Rooftop Solar Capacity | Eligible Subsidy |
|---|---|---|
| 0–150 units | 1–2 kW | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 |
| 150–300 units | 2–3 kW | ₹60,000 – ₹78,000 |
| Above 300 units | Above 3 kW | ₹78,000 (cap) |
A 1 kW system typically generates around 3 to 4 units of electricity per day in good sunlight, which is roughly 90 to 120 units a month. Generation in Kerala varies with the monsoon and cloud cover, so annual average output matters more than any single month.
Who Is Eligible for PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- The household must own a house with a roof suitable for installing solar panels.
- The household must have a valid electricity connection in the applicant’s name or as permitted.
- The household should not have availed of any other subsidy for rooftop solar panels.
PM Surya Ghar Registration – 7 Easy Steps
- Register on the portal: Visit the official PM Surya Ghar portal, select your state (Kerala) and electricity distribution company (KSEB), and enter your consumer number, mobile number and email.
- Log in and apply: Log in with your consumer number and mobile OTP, and fill in the rooftop solar application form.
- Get feasibility approval: Wait for the DISCOM’s feasibility approval for the requested capacity.
- Choose a registered vendor: Select a vendor registered with the DISCOM and get the system installed as per standards.
- Submit installation details: After installation, submit plant details on the portal and apply for net meter installation.
- Inspection and commissioning: After net meter installation and inspection by the DISCOM, a commissioning certificate is generated on the portal.
- Receive subsidy: Submit your bank account details and a cancelled cheque through the portal; the subsidy is credited to your account.
Keep copies of all invoices, approval letters and commissioning certificates. The entire PM Surya Ghar registration process is online, and you can track the status on the portal.
Documents Required for PM Surya Ghar Registration
- Latest electricity bill with consumer number
- Aadhaar card of the applicant
- Proof of ownership of the house (as required by DISCOM)
- Bank account details and a cancelled cheque for subsidy credit
- Recent photograph and mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Vendor invoice and installation details after commissioning
Role of KSEB in the Process
In Kerala, KSEB acts as the distribution company for most consumers. KSEB checks technical feasibility based on the transformer capacity and your sanctioned load, approves the application, installs or approves the bidirectional net meter, inspects the system and confirms commissioning on the portal. Delays can occur at the feasibility or net metering stages, so follow up politely with your section office if your application is pending for long. Keep your consumer number and application ID ready when you contact KSEB.
How Net Metering Works Under Surya Ghar
With net metering, your rooftop solar system is connected to the grid. During the day, solar power is used by your home first, and any excess electricity is exported to the grid. At night or on cloudy days, you draw power from the grid. The net meter records both imports and exports, and your bill is calculated on the net consumption. If your solar generation exceeds your usage over the billing cycle, the excess is adjusted as per the regulations of the state electricity regulatory commission.
Loans for Rooftop Solar Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana
To help households pay the remaining cost after subsidy, banks offer collateral-free loans for rooftop solar systems under the scheme, at concessional interest rates linked to the repo rate for systems up to a certain capacity. You can apply for a loan through the national portal or directly with participating public sector banks. Compare the EMI with your expected monthly savings; in many cases the savings cover a large part of the EMI.
Cost and Savings – An Example
Consider a family in Thrissur with average consumption of 250 units a month that installs a 3 kW rooftop system. After the ₹78,000 subsidy, the family pays the balance cost of the system, which depends on the vendor and equipment quality. The system can generate a large share of the household’s electricity needs over the year, sharply reducing monthly bills. Over the 25-year life of solar panels, the savings can be several times the initial investment, especially as electricity tariffs rise. Ask vendors for a detailed quotation with expected generation and payback period before deciding.
Surya Ghar for Different Types of Households
Small Families With Low Consumption
Households using fewer than 150 units a month can benefit from a 1 to 2 kW system. With the rooftop solar subsidy covering a large share of the cost, the payback period can be reasonable, and bills can drop sharply. Families in this group should focus on quality equipment rather than oversizing.
Middle-Income Families
Families consuming 150 to 300 units monthly often choose 2 to 3 kW systems. These households typically see the biggest relative savings because they would otherwise move into higher tariff slabs. A 3 kW system also qualifies for the maximum ₹78,000 subsidy.
Homes With Air Conditioners or Electric Vehicles
Households with high consumption due to air conditioners, electric vehicles or home businesses may need larger systems. The subsidy remains capped at ₹78,000, but the savings on a high bill can still make rooftop solar attractive. Discuss net metering limits and sanctioned load with KSEB and your vendor.
Free Electricity Scheme – Myths and Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Everyone automatically gets 300 free units | Free electricity depends on installing rooftop solar and generating your own power |
| Solar does not work during the monsoon | Generation reduces on cloudy days but does not stop; annual output still offsets a large part of consumption |
| Any vendor can install and claim subsidy | Only DISCOM-registered vendors and approved equipment are eligible under the scheme |
| Solar panels need constant maintenance | Occasional cleaning and periodic checks are usually enough |
Choosing a Good Vendor for Rooftop Solar Subsidy Projects
- Select only DISCOM-registered vendors listed on the portal.
- Ask for ALMM-listed solar modules and quality inverters as required under the scheme.
- Get a written quotation with system size, brands, warranty and service terms.
- Check that the vendor will handle net metering paperwork with KSEB.
- Ask for references from previous customers in your area.
- Insist on proper earthing, lightning protection and safe wiring.
Understanding Solar Components
Solar panels (modules): Convert sunlight into direct current electricity. Under the scheme, domestically manufactured modules from the approved list are generally required for subsidy eligibility. Panel warranties usually cover performance for 25 years.
Inverter: Converts direct current from panels into alternating current used at home. On-grid inverters are used with net metering. Inverters usually have shorter warranties than panels, so choose a reliable brand with service support in Kerala.
Mounting structure: Holds panels at the right angle. Use galvanised or corrosion-resistant structures, especially in coastal areas exposed to salty air.
Net meter and protection devices: The bidirectional meter records import and export. Earthing, surge protection and lightning arresters protect your system and home.
Timeline From Application to Subsidy
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Portal registration and application | Same day |
| Feasibility approval by DISCOM | A few days to a few weeks |
| Installation by vendor | One to three days after material arrives |
| Net meter installation and inspection | A few weeks, depending on DISCOM workload |
| Subsidy credit after commissioning | Usually within weeks after bank details are submitted |
Timelines vary across offices and seasons. Following up promptly and keeping documents ready helps avoid delays in the PM Surya Ghar Yojana process.
Maintenance Tips for Kerala Homes
Solar panels need little maintenance, but cleaning is important, especially in areas with dust, bird droppings or leaves from coconut and other trees. Clean panels with water and a soft cloth every few weeks, early in the morning or late evening. Check the inverter display regularly for errors. Trim branches that shade the panels. During the monsoon, panels are naturally cleaned by rain, but generation will be lower due to cloud cover. Ensure the mounting structure is corrosion-resistant, especially in coastal districts.
PM Surya Ghar Yojana – Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing panels before getting feasibility approval on the portal.
- Choosing an unregistered vendor, which can make you ineligible for the subsidy.
- Oversizing the system beyond your needs without understanding net metering rules.
- Ignoring shade from nearby buildings or trees.
- Not keeping documents and invoices for subsidy and warranty claims.
How to Estimate Your Savings
- Collect your electricity bills for the last 12 months and calculate average monthly units.
- Estimate system size: divide average monthly units by about 100 to 120 to get approximate kW needed.
- Get two or three quotations from registered vendors for that size.
- Subtract the applicable rooftop solar subsidy from the total cost to get your net investment.
- Estimate annual savings by multiplying expected annual generation by your effective tariff.
- Divide net investment by annual savings to estimate the payback period in years.
This simple calculation helps you compare quotations and decide whether to pay upfront or take a loan. Vendors may provide more detailed estimates using local solar data.
Surya Ghar and Job Opportunities
The scheme is also creating employment. Installers, electricians, technicians, site surveyors, sales executives and maintenance staff are needed across the state. ITI electricians and diploma holders in electrical engineering can find work with solar vendors, and some start their own small installation businesses after gaining experience. Training programmes for solar technicians are offered through skill development institutions, and practical experience with a registered vendor is valuable.
Benefits Beyond Savings
Rooftop solar reduces dependence on grid power, cuts carbon emissions and increases the value of your home. The scheme also creates jobs for installers, technicians and vendors, which is good news for ITI electricians and diploma holders in Kerala. Many young technicians are finding work in solar installation and maintenance; see our guide on apprenticeship stipend rules if you want to train in this field, and explore other welfare schemes such as the Atal Pension Yojana for long-term financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Yojana?
₹78,000 for systems of 3 kW and above.
How much subsidy is given for a 2 kW system?
₹60,000.
Where do I apply for PM Surya Ghar registration in Kerala?
On the official PM Surya Ghar national portal by selecting Kerala and KSEB, using your consumer number.
Can tenants apply?
The scheme is meant for households that own the rooftop. Tenants should discuss with the owner, who must apply.
Is there a loan facility?
Yes. Banks offer collateral-free loans at concessional rates for rooftop solar under the scheme.
Will I really get free electricity?
If your system generates enough to cover your usage, your bill can be greatly reduced or close to nil. The “up to 300 units” free electricity depends on system size and consumption.
How long does a rooftop solar system last?
Solar panels typically last around 25 years with gradual decline in output. Inverters may need replacement once during this period.
Can I add more panels later?
You can expand the system later with DISCOM approval, but the subsidy is limited to the scheme’s cap and rules for a household.
Is there a separate state subsidy in Kerala?
State-level programmes and DISCOM initiatives may exist from time to time. Check with KSEB and the state energy agency for any additional support available along with the central subsidy.
What happens to the subsidy if I sell my house?
The system becomes part of the property. Subsidy conditions are tied to the original installation; consult the scheme guidelines for transfer-related questions.
Can I apply for PM Surya Ghar Yojana offline?
The application process is designed to be online through the national portal. If you need help, approach KSEB offices, registered vendors or common service centres for assistance with the online form.
Conclusion
PM Surya Ghar Yojana makes rooftop solar more affordable through a direct subsidy of up to ₹78,000, net metering and easy loans. Check your roof, estimate your consumption, apply on the national portal, choose a registered vendor and enjoy long-term savings on electricity. For official details, visit the PM Surya Ghar portal. Follow Kerala Job News for more government scheme updates.